Situated on the banks of the Arabian Sea, Gokarna is a temple town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. This ancient town is a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre and an important tourist destination. The place is known for its unspoilt beaches and scenic beauty.
Gokarna is a town where you can visit some of the most beautiful and renowned temples of Karnataka. Mentioned below are 5 must visit temples in Gokarna:
Mahabaleshvara Temple
Main entry to the Mahabaleshwar Temple at Gokaran. Photographer by Nvvchar
The Mahabaleshvara Temple in Gokarna is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Mahabaleshwar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the shores of the Karwar coast of the Arabian Sea. This renowned Shaiva pilgrimage centre is considered to be as pious as the Kashi and Rameshwara pilgrimage centres for Hindus. It is also known as Dakshin Kashi (South Kashi).
The temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style and has the Atmalinga enshrined in a square ‘Saligrama Peetha’. The deity is a carved stone image of Lord Shiva that is believed to be 1,500 years old.
Temple Timing: Open on all days of the week (Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
Maha Ganapati Temple
The Maha Ganapati Temple in Gokarna is a renowned shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is also known as Ganapati. The temple is located just a few metres away from the Mahabaleshvara Temple. The Maha Ganapati temple houses a 1.3 m high black stone idol of Lord Ganesha.
According to popular legend, the temple was built in honour of Lord Ganesha who had succeeded in taking away the Atmalinga from the demon king, Ravana. Lord Shiva was pleased with this act of Lord Ganesha and blessed him the honour of the first worship. Till date, devotees generally visit this temple first before proceeding to the Mahabaleshvara Temple.
Temple Timing: Open on all days of the week (Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
Bhadrakali Temple
The Bhadrakali Temple is a popular place of worship that is located at a distance of 1 kilometer from Gokarna town. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Uma, the wife of Lord Shiva and the protector of Gokarna. The architecture of the shrine is similar to the temple architecture generally followed in South India. The temple houses a beautiful statue of the goddess.
Legend has it that the demon king Ravana had performed penance on Mount Kailash and asked Lord Shiva to fulfil two wishes- that he should get the Atmalinga and a beautiful wife for himself. While Ravana was returning home with Goddess Uma, Lord Vishnu stopped him at Gokarna and tricked him into abandoning Goddess Uma there itself. Lord Vishnu then asked Goddess Uma to reside in Gokarna and she came to be worshipped as Goddess Bhadrakali.
Temple Timing: Open on all days of the week (Morning:5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
Tamra Gauri Temple
The Tamra Gauri Temple is one of the must visit temples in Gokarna. Situated to the north of the Mahabaleshwara Temple, the Tamra Gauri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. The temple structure has an ornate entrance. The two-armed idol of Goddess Parvathi that is worshipped in the temple has a balance in its hand. It is said that the goddess is weighing the greatness of Gokarna against Varanasi.
Devotees flock to this temple as it is believed that the reigning deity of the temple fulfils wishes of marriage, health and long life.
Temple Timing: Open on all days of the week (Morning: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Evening: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM)
Venkatramana Temple
The Venkatramana temple in Gokarna is a famous pilgrim centre in Karnataka. The temple is located at the eastern end of Gokarna. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkatarama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Koti Teertha, a sacred temple tank is situated at a distance of just 100 m from the Venkatramana temple.
The temple is visited by pilgrims and devotees throughout the year. Foreigners are not allowed within the temple premises, but can watch the rituals being performed from outside.
Temple Timing: Open on all days of the week (Morning: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Evening: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM)
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